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by National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee

Abstract

This report was commissioned by the National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee to:

identify the patterns and prevalence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the prison system

outline the impacts and implications of incarceration for Indigenous Australians

analyse the costs and benefits of addressing Indigenous problematic substance use with treatment, particularly residential rehabilitation, as compared to prison.

A number of sources of information, including a scan of relevant literature and data repositories and consultations with key stakeholders, were used to inform the analysis.

The report highlights the cost and health benefits of diversionary programs and community residential rehabilitation for Indigenous people who have been convicted of non-violent, substance use related offences.